Angry reply by farmers to pig programme

Leicester Mercury

LEICESTERSHIRE, Northamptonshire and Rutland farmers plan to take part in a nationwide phone-in which is being staged as a follow up to a BBC-2 television programme on Tuesday, It Shouldn’t Happen to a Pig.

They are angry about what they see as an attack on modern intensive farming methods forced on them by the public’s demand for cheap food.

They are particularly angry about the front cover of the current Radio Times with its picture of a pig and caption, Health Warning: Meat and Poultry may seriously affect your health.

The farmers regard public reaction to modern farming methods as often emotional and uninformed.

Veteran member of Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland NFU Mr Joe Thomas, of Woodhouse Eaves, told the three counties’ executive that the Mercury’s Page Four attracted “the most emotional letters on this subject.”

The NFU at national level has protested strongly to the BBC about the front cover of Radio Times and an article in it.

“As far as we are concerned, this article is not balanced,” said Mr Bob Wright, the union’s Midlands regional information officer.

“It only states one point of view. People are entitled to express a point of view but where is the other side of the argument?”